INEC Denies Viral X Claim Alleging Amupitan Endorsed Partisan Post

INEC Denies Viral X Claim Alleging Amupitan Endorsed Partisan Post

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, endorsed a partisan post on X (formerly Twitter), describing the claim as false, misleading, and malicious.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission said the allegation is part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining the credibility and neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

INEC stated that the viral claim suggesting that the Chairman previously endorsed political content on X is “entirely baseless and a fabrication designed to mislead the public.”

The Commission further clarified that Prof. Amupitan does not operate any personal account on X or any other social media platform and has never engaged in partisan political commentary in either private or official capacity.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the INEC Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on X. He has at no time engaged in partisan commentary or associated himself with any political activity,” the statement said.

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INEC warned that the alleged post was deliberately fabricated to impugn the integrity and neutrality of the electoral body, especially at a sensitive time when public trust in electoral institutions remains critical.

The Commission also raised concerns over the increasing use of fake social media accounts impersonating its leadership to spread false information and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

According to the statement, several impersonation accounts have already been identified and reported to security agencies for investigation and prosecution under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

“We are aware that cybercriminals have been using fake accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud Nigerians. These accounts have been reported to security agencies for appropriate action,” the Commission said.

INEC emphasized that it is working closely with relevant security agencies to track down those responsible for identity theft and the dissemination of forged statements online.

It warned that perpetrators of such acts will face prosecution, stressing that misinformation targeting the electoral body undermines democratic stability.

The Commission urged the public to rely only on official and verified communication channels for accurate information, reiterating its commitment to transparency and credible elections.

INEC added that it remains focused on its constitutional mandate and will not be distracted by what it described as “baseless online propaganda.”

INEC Denies Viral X Claim Alleging Amupitan Endorsed Partisan Post